Detonator por ordnance-projectiles



C. P. WATSON.

DETONATOR FCR ORDNANCE PROJECTILES.

APPLICATION man lum/21.1915.

1,8 l l 1 O4. Patented July 22, 1919.

' UNITED STATES PATENT-canton Y .CHARLES P. WATSON, or PHIIiADELPHIA,PENNSYLVANIA,` ASsI'GNoR. To -WATSoN ARMS comrAN, INC., oF PHILADELPHIA,PENNSYLVANIA, A VcomoRA'rIoN OF DELAWARE.

DETONATOR FOR oRIiNANcE-PROJEQTILES. v

Application led July 27, 1915. Serial No. 42,134.

To au 'whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES P.. WATSON, a citizen of the United States,residing at Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and Stateofll?ennsylvaniahave invented certain new and useful Improvements inDetonators for Ordnance-Projectiles, of 1which the following is aspecification.

My invention relates to detonators for ordnance projectiles, it havingbeen devised with especial reference for use in connection withprojectiles loaded with highexplosives; and it has for its object torender the detonator certain in its operations, safe against accidentalor malicious tiring, to improve the mechanismv thereof,'and to reduceits length.

In the accompanying drawings- Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional viewof a detonatorembodying my invention, the parts being represented in thepositions. they occupy when the detonator is unarmed.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the detonator armed. Y

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a'detonator the 'parts ofwhich are in arming position, and the detonator being in some features,to be'pointed out, different from the detonator illustrated in Figs. 1and 2.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view, detached, of the plunger.

Fig. 5 is an inner end or face View of the partition separating the twomain chambers of the detonator.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the turret, and embodyingsome features not found in the form of turret illustrated in the otherviews.

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of a turret, of a slightly differentconstruction from those illustrated in the other views. y

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the casing for the miniatureprojectile or capsule-that carries a charge of high explos1Ve.

Fig. 9 is a rear endview vof the casing shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a sectional View ofthe base piece for closing the rear end ofthe casing Shown in Figs: 8 and 9.

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal Sectional view of the miniature projectile orcapsule loaded but not capped.

, Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a plunger and turretsupported therein, thel pivotal mounting of the latter beingdifferentfrom that illustrated in the other views. Figs. 8 to 1l are drawn to ascale twice that of the -other views.

In' the drawings 2 indicates the shell or case of the detonator. This isreferably inthe form ofasteel plug'of hlgh tensile strength, exteriorlyscrew-threaded so as to be adapted to be Screwed into the breech of ashell, and bored out to 'form a central chamber open at its forward end.

The walls of the case surrounding this central chamber vary in thicknessat different parts, that portion atvthev forward end surrounding thechamber 4 being relatively thin. In this chamber, 4, is located thebooster charge 5, the detonation of which ruptures the detonator andfires the main charge of explosive within the projectile.

' It. is the object of the mechanism contained in the case 2 to cause acertainand high order of 'detonation of the boosterl charge at theinstant, desired, and to absolutely prevent the accidental explosion or.

detonation of that charge at all other times. One of the elements of theapparatus employed to cause the detonation of the booster charge islaponderous body located in the rear chamber, 3, of the case 2, themovements of which body are controlled, and which, when the moment forexploding the shell arrives, operates by percussion to cause the firingof a minor charge of explosive, through the detonation of which thebooster charge is fired.v The ponderous body is a plunger, 6, free tomove in its chamber within the case 2 except when positively restrained,the inner walls of such chamber being pret-` erably smooth and theplunger tting them quite-closely though not so tightly as to interferewith its` free longitudinal movements. A spring 7 is located behind theplunger and between it and the rear wall of `the case 2, and. acts tonormally hold the plunger in its forward position. Whilel this Spring isnot essential to my invention Specification of Letters Patent. PatentedJ uly 22, 1919.7

I prefer to use it, as it prevents the plunger from moving when theshell is Ibeing handled, and, though such movements would not beattended with danger, they might awaken suspicion on the part of onehandling4 a Shell provided with my invention who was not informed as toits construction and o eration. It will be understood that t e plunger 6sets back atthe instant the shell 1s fired from the gun, compressing thespring plijnger 1s thus setv yback that the detonator isarmed, that isto 7; and it is while the say, its parts come into position', renderingit possible to explode the s hell upon impact thereof; and the arming 1scaused by the joint` operation of inertia, causing the setting back ofthe plunger, and of centrifugal force due to the rotation given theshell by the riling of the gun, causing movements of parts, t0 bedescribed, that bring the detonator into armed condition.

In the forward portion of the plunger 6 is formed a slot 8 extendingentirely through it transversely, and within which is mounted a turret9. This turret is mounted upon bearings located in the diametrically oposite parts 10 of the plunger. I prefera ly use steelballs 11 as suchbearings, each resting in recesses semi-spherical in shape and formedrespectively in short bolts 12 screwed into the parts 10 of the plunger,and in the side walls of the turret 9.

The turret carries a body of explosive material adapted to be set off bypercussion,

the firing of which,either mediately or immediately, causes thedetonation of the booster charge. I prefer that there should be a seriesof explosive charges that act in succession, the first being fired bypercussion due to the operation of the ponderous body or plunger 6, andthe last immediately causing the detonation of the booster charge, inorder that there may be a very slight delay between the impact oftheshell and the bursting thereof, and the specific arrangement of partsand explosive charges that I prefer to use will be later described.

Between the chamber 4 in which is located the booster charge, and thechamber 3 in which is placed the plunger 6 and the turret which itcarries, is a partition 13, which is preferably in the form of ascrewthreaded plate, perforated, as indicated at 14, to permit, at theproper moment, communication to be established between the two chambersthat the partition separates, in order that the boo-ster charge may beired from the other chamber.

In order to insure safety the perforation 14 through the partition thatseparates the two chambers of the detonator should be closed gas-'tightat all times except when the detonatoris armed, so that should from anycause whatever the charge or charges of explosive located in the rearchamber econe accidentally ignited or detonated the waves of force andthe highly heated gases, engendered by such accidental firing ordetonation shall not under any possibility have access to the chamber atthe forward end of the detonator and the charge of explosive by theturret 9, relative ,to which itis eccentric and has a parti-sphericalface iinj ished to set somewhatl into the perforation 14 and to fit thevalve seatl 15 'gasftight It is carried by the turret 9, and when thelatter is in its safety4 osition and held forward by thespring the valveis seated'. A locking bolt 17 seated in the rear portion of the case 2and held forward by a spring 18 engages with the turret, enterlng arecess 19 therein, and holds it in safety position under normalconditions. When the shell is fired from the gun this locking bolt setsback, compressing the spring 18, and 1'6- leases the turret, which isthen free to turn into arming position. Thereafter, when acceleration ofthe shell in its Hight has ceased and the spring 18 operates to move thebolt forward, it enters a recess 2O in the turret, which then has beenturned to arming position, and thus positively locks the parts in armingposition.

The turret is balanced upon its pivotal supports 11, that is to say, anytwo parts thereof diametrically opposed and in a plane crossing the axisof support of the turret are of equal weight, as near as this may be inthe manufacture of an article like the turret 9. It will be seen,however, that the disposition of the mass Aof the turret is such, sinceits longest diameter is through the valve 16, that, when subjected tocentrifugal force while supported on its bearings 11, it will rock from'the position indicated in Fig. 1 with the valve opposite the opening14, to the position indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, where the valveislaterally to one side of such opening, which therefore becomes uncoveredand free, the two chainbers of the detonator thus being incommunication.

In the body of the turret, and in line with the axis of the aperture 14when the turret is turned into arming position as indicated in'E` 1g. 2,1s formed a chamber 21. Into this chamber is loaded a miniatureprojectile 22 carrying a charge 28 of high explosive, such as fulminateof mercury. Behind this miniature projectile is placed a charge of anexplosive, 24, such as black powder. A wad 25 of raw cotton, asbestos orother suitable heat insulating material is preferably interposed betweenthe charge of the powder 24 and the projectile. ash passage 26communicates with the base of the chamber 21 opposite the place wherelio may be readily and highly detonated by the firing charge such as maybe carried by the miniature projectile 22.

44 designates shear pins carried by the turret 9. They are adapted tooccupy a shallow channel in' the inner wall of the `case 2 when theplunger is set backand the turren t is turned to arming position. lWhenthe plunger, with the turret in arming' position, is moved forward bythe spring 7, after the initial set back 'caused by firingthe projectilefrom the gun, the shear pins engage with the forward edgeof the channel45 and hold the parts in position with thecap 27 just back of and inline with the firing rim 28, but not in engagement therewith.

46 is a cheek valve covering the inner end of a passage 47 through thebase of the plunger, opening into the slot in which the turret ismounted. This'check valve is held in place closing the said passage, bythe spring 7.

If from any cause any one or even all of the explosive charges carriedby the turret,-such charges all being sensitive' to shock, or to heat,or to both,-should become ignited or detonated, no serious injury wouldresult to the detonator beyond rendering it dead, provided the turretoccupied its normal position, such as represented in Fig. 1. The rearchamber 3 of the detonator in which these charges of explosive arelocated is in a art of the case 2 the walls of which are su cientlystrong to resistpressures due to the explosions or detonations justsupposed, and provision is made, by gas passages around and through theplunger into the rear part of the chamber 3, for thev expansion of thegases incident to an accidental explosion.l Should such take place theflame and gases and incident waves of force instantly become reducedthrough expansion, and through the loss of heat which is conducted awayby the surrounding metal.

The pressures that would be exerted in the rear chamber ofthe detonatorby an accidental explosion therein would operate to force the valve 16against its seat with tremendous force, thus increasing its efficiencyin preventing the passage of any of the hot ases and the detonatingwaves to the chamer 4. Should there be any slight passage of gas beyondthe valve it would do no harm, since itlwould be confined within thetube 33 and hence not come into actual and immediate Contact with thebooster charge. Any

rpremature or accidental explosion such as just supposed would doubtlessrupture the j turret, and lest that should cause an unseating of thevalve 16 through pressure being applied thereto eccentrically andtilting it from its seat, I have provided for the valve easilyseparating from theturret so that it would be free to occupy its seateven should the turret be blown to pieces. Thus, as repfrom theshattered turret, remaining on its seat, whe-re it would be held by thegas pressure. Another way of providing for the separation of the valvefrom the turret should the latter be blown to pieces is to form a grooveat the base of the valve between it and the turret, as indicated at 49in Fig. 7.

In Fig. 3 I represent a form of the invention having some featuresdifferent from anything thus far described. As shown in such figurethere is a cut-ofi' or check valve, arranged to close the runway for theminiature projectile, in addition to the valve 16. As shown thisadditional valve consists of a pair of bolts 50 set in recesses formedtherefor in the partition 13. These plates are forced toward each otherby springs 51 and under normal conditions their `edges meet and theytogether close the runway or paschamber 3 of the detonator becomeacciden- Y tally ignited; for in such event the supplemental valve wouldprevent the miniature projectile passing along. the runway and hencebecoming detonated in proximity to the booster charge and would confinethe effects of the accidental explosion to the rear chamber 3 of thedetonator.

In Fig. 3 there are also shown other features of invention the use ofwhich improve the detonator.

'Referring to this figure 52 indicates a mass of lead interposed betweenthe miniature projectile and the charge 24. ,When this is employed Iprefer that the miniature projectile should fit the chamber 21 ,in whichit is seated rather loosely so that after the turret has assumed thearming position and the projectile begins to be retarded in its Hightfrom the gun, the miniature-.projectile shall creep forward from itsseat into the runway., due to such retarding of the ordnance projectile.In order to stop the miniatureprojectile before it reaches the liringthe charge of black powder is located and leads to a seat for anexplosive cap or primer 27. This cap, when the turret is moved intoarming position, sets opposite the firing rim 28, carried by thepartition 13 and preferably concentric with the aperture 14 therein. Inthe head of the miniature projectile 22 is a chamber 30, in vWhich islocated a percussion cap 31. This chamber communicates, through aperforation in a partition 32, with the chamber in which is located thecharge of high explosive carried by the miniature projectile, and an-.other opening, 29, through'the head or nose of the miniatureprojectile, exploses the cap 31 from the outside.

33 indicates a tube carried by the partition 13 and extending into thebooster charge 5 which is hollowed out to receive it. It is preferablyintegral with the partition and of a thickness that will be-ruptured bythe detonation of the charge ofthe miniature projectile. At the end ofthe tube is a firing pin 34. It will be seen that the walls of theaperture 14 and of the tube 33 constitute a runway through which theminiature pro.

jectile passes from its seat within the turret to the firing pin 34, thelatter being so located that it enters the open end 29 of the head ofthe miniature projectile and engages with and fires the cap 31 thereof.In order to prevent the air confined within the tube from beingcompressed to an undesirably high degree by the advancing miniatureprojectile, I may perforate the tube as at and provide an extension 56into which the air from the tube may be driven. The extension 56 forms aclosed chamber so that the air forced from the tube does not escapeintovthe chamber 4 containing the booster charge. The end of theextension may rest against the base of the case 39 in which the boostercharge is supported..

If a high order of detonation of the booster charge is to be insured itis of the utmost importance that the detonating charge 23 carried by theminiature projectile shall not be exploded prematurely, that is, beforesuch projectile has entered the tube 33 and is thus in the midst of themass constituting the booster charge. It is therefore necessary thatgreat care be exercised in the manufacture of the capsule or shellconstituting such miniature projectile to insure that it shall beabsolutely gas-tight, suiiciently strong to withstand the shocks towhich it is exposed, and capable of being readily and safely loaded withits sensitive explosive charge. I therefore preferably form it asfollows, reference `being made to Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11. 35 represents acylinder,`preferably formed of mild steel, the walls of which arerelatively quite thin. One end of this cylinder is left open and theedge of the walls around this open end are chamfered. 36 indicates thebase of the miniature projectile. It consists of a small metal plate ordisk in the edge of which is formed a groove or kerf 38 into which isforced the chamfered edge of the cylinder 35. The head 37 of theminiature projectile is preferably integral with the cylinder 35 andincludes the partition already referred to. In forming the lminiatureprojectile the cylinder 35 is filled with its charge 23 before the basepiece 36 is applied. A

In uniting these two parts the chamfercd edge of the cylinder is causedto enter the groove 38 in the base into which it'is 'conlpressed withsufficient force to cause it to curl over and form a gas-tightinseparable joint. To insure that the joint Shall be tight andmoisture-proof, shellac or some equivalent water-repelling and quicklyhardening cementing substance is employed in the joint when the cylinderand base are being united. The percussion cap or primer 31 is placed inthe chamber formed therefor in the head of the miniature projectile andthere secured in any suitable manner well known to those skilled in theart of applying percussion and fulminating caps. j

The booster charge 5 is preferably supported in a case 39,- open at itsrear end and v formed .of thin metal, such as block tin. The

closed forward end of this case tapers slightly as indicated at 40, andrests against the inner tapering flange portion 41 of the plate 42 thatcloses the front end of the shell 2. A cushion 43 of raw cotton orequivalent is preferably interposed between the closing plate 42 and thecase 39. The booster charge is formed of a high explosive that is notsensitive to shock, such as tri-nitrotoluol. This and other highexplosives adapted to be used for the booster charge do not readilydetonate if subjected to too high compression. I therefore support thischarge in the case 39, and compress 1t therein only to a moderatedegree. Thecase itself is loosely mounted in the chamber 4 and is ofsuch material that it will deform somewhat as it comes into engagementwith the tapered part 41 of the closing end `plate of the detonator, dueto the shock incident to the impact of the proj ect-ile carrying thedetonator. lVhen the projectile is fired there is but'little compressionof the booster charge,-only such as is due to the setting back of themass of the charge itself. When the projectile strikes there is likewisebut little compression of the booster charge, as the engagement of thetapered end 40 of the case 39 with the tapering walls 41 of the closingplate of the detonator, and the action of the cushion 43, coperate intending to somewhat gradually slow down the movement of booster' chargewithin the detonator case. Hence, as will be seen, the booster charge isnever compressed beyond the limit where it the parts 50 of the auxiliaryor supplemental valve employed to close the runway, so that, should therotation ofthe shell slow down suliciently to so reduce the centrifugalforce that the plates 50 would not be held outward thereby they willnevertheless be held in open position by the miniature projectile whichlies between them. Upon impact of the shell and the firing ofthe charge24 the plug of lead, 52, is projected forward and, striking the base ofthe miniature projectile, forces it forward past the arresting devices53 and into engagement with the firing pin 34 by which its charge isdetonated.

An advantage incident to the arrangement described is that therelatively thick mass of lead, fitting the chamber 21 closely, preventsthe heat developed by the explosion of the charge 24 from beingcommunicated to and causing the ignition of the charge within theminiature projectile. The walls of the latter are necessarily quite thinand it is conceivable that the great heat developed by the ignition ofthe charge 24 would cause ignition of the charge within the miniatureprojectile before the latter reach'the firing pin 34. But with thearrangement shown this is not possible. The use of the plug 52necessarily reduces the available length of the miniature rojectilewhich should therefore be loade with a correspondinglyy higher explosiveto compensate for the diminished charge thereof which the miniatureprojectile will then be able to carry. l

In Fig. 3 the forward end of the casing 2 of the detonator isrepresented as being closed by a plate 42 the edges of which set into agroove formed in the casing wall, and a flange 57 of the latter,extending beyond said groove, being turned over the edge of the endplate to hold it in place. The closing plate 42 is dished, its concaveface being inward, and the endof the case 39 in which is packed thebooster charge is shaped to conform to such face and rest against it.

In Fig. 12 I have representeda pivotal mounting for the turret 9 whichhas some advantages over that illustrated in the other views, being morerigid, though perhaps not so delicate. As illustrated in this view thescrew bolts 12 seated in the parts 10 of the plunger have their ends,11', smooth and cylindrical, and adapted to fit into recesses formedtherefor in the side faces of the turret, the ends of the'boltsconstituting the trunnions on-which the turret swings.

The operation of the invention herein described may now be set forth. InFig. l the parts are represented in normal positions, the detonatorbeing then unarmed. The plunger is held forward by the spring 7, theturret is turned so that the miniature projectile 22 is not in line withthe aperture 14 between the chambers 3 and 4, and the locking bolt 17holds the turret in safety posij tion. N condition or situation incidentto handling the shell, or any accident to which it might be subjected,can be thought of that will cause the detonator to arm. For, toaccomplish this, simultaneously must the plunger be set back against theaction of the spring 7, in order to take the valve 16 from its seat, thelocking bolt 17 be set back, releasing the turret, and centrifugal forcebe developed to turn the turret into arming postion; and under no knownconditions, except the firing of a projectile from a. rifled gun, areforces created that would cause the operations enumerated to take placesimultaneously.

However, should the detonator become accidentally armed. the arrangementshown in Fig. 3 would still render the fuse safe against detonation,though internal eXplosions might take place which would render it deadand ineffective as a detonating fuse.

Upon a shell carrying a detonator such as described,with the parts inthe position indicated in Fig. 1, being fired from a gun, the plunger 6is violently set back, compressing 'the spring 7; and at the same timethe locking bolt 17 is set back, freeing the turret. The rotary motiongiven to the shell by the rifling of the gun and communicated to themechanism of the detonator causes the turret to swing from the safetyposition to the arming position represented in Figs.l 2 and 3 throughthe action of centrifugal force, which holds the turret in this positionso long as the shell is in rotation; but as soon as acceleration of theshell in its flight has ceased the spring 18 forces the locking boltforward, and its end enters the recess 20, thus bringing into operationa positively-acting device for holding the turret in arming position. Atthe same time that the locking bolt comes into operation the spring 7forces the plunger 6 forward until the shear pins 44 come intoengagement with the front wall of the channels 45. where the arts arearrested and held until the projectile strikes.

Upon impact of the shell the plunger 6 jumps forward, shearing oif thepins 44, and the cap 27 is brought 1nto violent contact with the firingrim 28. The' explosion of the cap causes the charge 24'of black powderto be ignited, and this operates to propel the miniature projectile fromits seat in the turret through the aperture 14 and along the tube 33until its end comes into engagement with the firing pin 34 whichexplodes the cap 31 in the head thereof. The firing of this cap causesthe detonation of the charge 23 within the miniature projectile, and thedetonation of this charge detonates the charge 5 which ruptures thedetonator shell 2 and fires the main charge within the projectile.

. rear of the shell and hence in the midst of that part of the explosivecharge carried thereby that is subjected to the least compression. I amthus enabled to insure a high degree of detonation of the main charge ofthe shell for the reason that the high explosives constituting both thischarge and the booster charge are not compressed beyond a degree wheredetonation of a high order may be easily started, at the moment when thedetonation of the shell is desired.

It will be seen that the firing of the charge within the shell orprojectile is caused by a stepping-up process accomplished by a seriesof explosions or minor detonations, and that although these follow oneanother very rapidly, yet an appreciable length of time occurs betweenimpact of the projectile and the linal detonation of the charge itcarries. First, upon impact, the plunger has to travel forward to causethe firing of the cap or primer 27, then this has to ignite the chargeof powder that propels the miniature projectile, or the lead plug 52,when this is used, causing it to travel to the end of the tube 33 wherethe charge it carries is detonated, the effects of this detonation haveto be communicated to and detonate the booster charge, and finally, thislatter must rupture the detonator and set off the main charge within theshell.

This retarding action is utilized to accurately determine the length oftime after impact when the shell shall burst, because by varying theamount of the powder charge 24 the speed at which the miniatureprojectile moves toward the firing pin 34 may be governed and hence thelen h of time after impact when the charge within the miniatureprojectile shall be fired may be controlled. I

rIhe liash passage 26 provides a means for varying the time elementbetween impact of the shell and its bursting. If it be left open theflash from the primer cap 27 ignites the powder charge 24 almostinstantly, whereas if it be morelor less filled with meal powder, whichhas to burn before the powder charge 24 is ignited, a greater or lesslength of time will elapse between impact and the bursting of the shell.

v Having described my invention what I claim and desire to securel byLetters Patent is:

1. In a detonator for ordnance shells, an'

inclosing case, a movable body within the case for causing` the fir' ofthe detonator, a runway along which the said body travels, and a movablecarrier in which the said body is supported, which carrier normallyoccupies a safety positionwith the said body out of line with therunway, and is arranged to move to an arming position with the ysaidbody in line with the runway under action of centrifugal force upon theshell being red from a gun.

' 2. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing case, amovable body within the case for causing the iring of the detonator, arunway along which the said body travels, a movable carrier in whichthe4 said body is supported, which carrier normally occupies a safetyposition with the detonator-iring body out of line with the runway, andis arranged to move to a position to bring the body in line with therun- Way under the action of centrifugal force, and means for holdingthe carrier in safety position until the shell is fired from a gun.

3.v In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing case inwhich is locatedv an explosive charge,a movable body within the case forcausing the firing of the explosives, a'- runway along which the saidbody travels, an oscillating` turret Ain which the said charge-firingbody is supported, means for holding the turret in safety position withthe said body out of line with the runway, such means being moved on theshell being fired from a gun to release the turret, and the turret beingarranged to move, under the action of centrifugal force, to a positionto arm the detonator.

4. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, a case in which islocated an explosive charge, a detonating capsule for firing the saidexplosive charge, a runway along which the detonating capsule travels tocharge-firing position, a movable carrier in which the said detonatingcapsule is supported, which carrier normally occupies a safety positionwith the detonating capsule out of line with the runway, and being freeto move under the action of centrifugal force to a position to bring thedetonating capsule into line with the runway upon the shell 'being liredfrom a gun, and means for holding the carrier in safety position.

5. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, a case adapted to beseated in a shell, a detonating capsule for iring the detonator, arunway along which the detonating capsule travels to firing position,and an oscillating turret in which the detonating capsule is supportedadapted to be moved to safety position with the capsule out of line withthe runway, and being free to move under the action of centrifugal forceto arming position with the capsule in line with the runway, and meansfor normally holding the turret in safety position, such means beingarranged to be operated to free the turret and permit it to assumearming. position on the shell being flred from a gun.

6. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, a case adapted to beseated in a shell, a detonating capsule for firing the said detonator, arunway along which the detonating capsule travels to firing position,and an oscillating turret in which the detonating capsule is supportedadapted to 'be moved to safety position with the capsule in line withthe runway, an explosive charge located in the said turret adapted toproject the detonating capsule from its seat in the turret, and meansfor firing the said charge arranged .to act upon impact of th'e shell.

7. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inc`losing caseadapted to be seated in the breech of a shell, a detonating capsuleadapted to fire the said detonator, a runway along which the saiddetonating capsule is adapted to be moved to firing position, a plungerlocated in the inclosing case, a carrier for the detonating capsulesupported in the said plunger and free to move therein from a normalsafety position with the detonating capsule out of line with the saidrunway to an arming position with the detonating capsule in line withthe runway, means for holding the said carrier in safety positionarranged to be operated to release the carrier upon the shell beingfired from a gun, an explosive charge adapted te cause the detonatingcapsule to be discharged from its carrier, and means operated by themovement of the plunger upon impact of `the* shell for causing thefiring of the last said charge.

8. In a detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing case adapted to beseated in a shell, a movable body within the case for causing the firingof the detonator, a runway along which the said body travels, a movablecarrier in which the said firing body is supported, which carriernormally occupies a1 safety position with the said body out of line withthe runway, and is arrangedv to moveto an arming position with the saidbody in line with the runway upon the shell being red from a gun, andmeans for closing the said runway until the detonator is armed, saidmeans being free to be set back when the shell is fired from a gun andthen movable to open the runway.

9. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing case adaptedto be seated in a shell, a movable body within the case for causing thefiring of the detonator, a

runway along which the said body travels,`

an oscillating turret in which the said firing body is supported, meansfor holding the turret in safety position with the said body out of linewith the runway, such ,means being moved on the shell being red from agun to release the turret, and the turret being arranged t0 move, underthe action of centrifugal force, to a position to arm the detonator, andmeans for closing the runway vuntil the detonator becomes armed.

10. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, a case adapted t0 beseated in a shell, a detonating capsule forA firing the said detonator,a runway along which the detonating capsule travels to firing position,a movable carrier in which the said detonating capsule is supported,which carrier normally occupies a safety position with the detonatingcapsule out of line withthe runway, and being free to move to an armingposition with the detonating capsule in line with the runway upon theshell being fired from a gun, and means for closing the runway gastightwhen the said carrier is in safety position, such means being arrangedto set back when the shell is fired from a gun, and then movable to aposition for opening the runway when the detonator is armed.

11. In an impact detonator for'ordnance shells, a case adapted to be`seated-in 'a shell,

a detonating capsule for firing the said deto? nator, a runway alongwhich the detonating capsule travels to firing position, an oscillatingturret in which the detonating capsule is supported adapted to be movedlto safety position with the capsule out of line with the runway or toarming position with the capsule in line with the runway, means fornormally holding the turret in safety position, such means beingarranged to be operated to free the turret and permit it to assumearming position on the shellbeing fired from a gun, and an eccentricvalve carried by the said turret for closing the runway when the partsof the detonator are in safety positions.

12. In an impact'detonator for ordnance shells, a case adapted to beseated in a shell, a detonating capsule for ring the said detonator,. arunway alon which the detonating capsule travels to ring position, andan oscillating turret in which the detonating capsule is supportedadapted to be moved from safety position -to arming position with thecapsule, in line with the runway, an explosive charge located in thesaid Vturret adapted to project the detonating capsule from its seat inthe turret, means for firing the said charge arranged to act upon impactof the shell, and means for closing the runway gas-tight when the partsof the detonator are in safety positions.

13. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, a case adapted to beseated in a shell, a detonating capsule for firing the said detonator, arunway along which the detonating capsule travels to iring position, andan oscillating turret in which the detonating capsule is supportedadapted to be moved from safety position to arming position with thecapsule in line with the runway, an eX- plosive charge located in thesaid turret adapted to project the detonating capsule from its seat inthe turret, means for firing the said charge arranged to act upon impactof the shell, and a valve carriedby the turret for closing the runwaygas-tight when the parts of the detonator Vare in safety posi tions andfor opening the runway when the detonator is armed. v

14. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing caseadapted to be seated in a shell, a detonating capsule adapted to 'lirethe detonator, a runway along which the said detonating capsule isadapted to be moved to firing position, a plunger located in theinclosing case, a carrier for the detonating capsule supported in thesaid plunger and free to move therein from a normal safety position withthe detonating capsule out of line with the said runway to an armingposition with the detonating capsule in line with the runway, meansY forholding the said carrier in safety position arranged to be operated torelease the carrier upon the shell being fired from a gun, an explosivecharge adapted to cause the detonating capsule to be discharged from itscarrier, means operated by the movement of the plunger upon impact ofthe shell for causing the firing of the last said charge, and means forclosing gas-tight the runway when the parts of the detonator are insafety positions and for opening the runway when the detonator is armed.l

15. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, a case carrying abooster charge, a

movable body carrying a charge of high eX- j plosive for detonating thebooster charge, a runway along which the said body travels leadingtoward the booster charge, a movable carrier in which the charge-firingbody is supported normally occupying a safety position with the saidbody out of line with the runway, and being adapted to move to armingposition with the said body in line with the runway, under the action ofcentrifugal force, a partition dividing the case into two chambers inthe forward one of which is located the booster charge and in the rearone the carrier for the chargering body, the aforesaid runway extendingthrough the said partition, and means for closing the runway gas-tightwhen the said carrier is in safety position and for opening it when thecarrier is moved to armprojectiles carrying a booster charge of highexplosive, a miniature projectile carrylng a detonating charge forlil-'ing the booster charge, a partition dividing the detonator intofront and rear chambers, the booster charge being'located in the frontchamber, a carrier in which the said miniature projectile is supportedlocated in the rear chamber of the detonaftor, the carrier being movablefrom a safety position to an arming position through the action ofcentrifugal force, means for normally holding the carrier in vsafetyposition, a runway leading through the parti-tion toward the-boostercharge alongY which the miniatureV projectile is adapted to travel, anexplosive charge for propelling the miniature projectile, firing devicesoperating on impact of the shell for igniting the said eX-plosive chargethat propels the miniature projectile,

lwhich is located the said booster charge, Ya

plunger in the rear chamber,.an oscillating turret supported in theplunger and adapted to move, under the action of centrifugal force, froma safety to an arming position, a miniature projectile carrying a chargeof high explosive-for firing the booster charge supported in the saidturret, a runway along which the miniature projectile is adapted totravel to booster-charge-iring position eX- tending through thepartition that separates the chambers within the Idetonator case, avalve carried by the oscillating turret for closing the said runwaygas-tight when the turret is in safety position, an eX- pl'osive chargefor propelling the miniature projectile supported in the turret, andfiring devices operated upon impact of the shell for igniting the lastsaid charge.

18. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing case, aperforated partition dividing the case into two chambers, a boostercharge located in the front chamber, a detonating capsule for firing thebooster charge, a movable carrier in which the said capsule issupported, located in the rear chamber of the case and adapted normallyto occupy a safety position with the capsule out of line with theperforationy 1n vthe partition, and to be moved when the shell is firedfrom a-gun to an arming position 'with the capsule in li-ne with thesaid perforation, an explosive charge for projecting the said capsulefromits carrier through the perforation in the said partition, and meansacting upon impact of the shell for igniting the last said charge.

19. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing case, aperforated partition dividing the case into -two chambers, a

i booster chargelocated in the front chamber,

a detonating capsule for firing the booster charge, a movable carrier inwhich the said capsule is supported, located in the rear chamber of thecase and adapted normally -to occupy a safety position with the capsuleout of line with the perforation in the partition, and to be moved whenthe shell is fired from a. gun to an arming position with the capsule inline with said perforation, an explosive charge for projecting the saidcapsule from its carrier through the perforation in said partition,means acting upon impact of the shell for ignitingv the last saidcharge, and means for closing the perforation through the partitiongas-tight when the parts of the, detonator are in safety positions, andadapted to open the said perforation for the passage of the detonatingcapsule when the shell is `fired from a gun.

20. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing case, aperforated partition dividing the case into two chambers, a boostercharge located in the front chamber, a detonating capsule for firing thebooster charge, a movable carrier in which the said capsule issupported, located in the rear chamber of the case and adapted normallyto occupy a safety position with the capsule out of line with theperforation in the partition and to be moved when the shell is firedfrom a gun to, an arming position with the capsule in line with the saidperforation, the said carrier being also supported so as to move forwardin the detonator case upon impact of the shell, an explosive charge forprojecting the capsule from the carrier through the perforation in thepartition, located in the said carrier, and means acting when the saidcarrier moves forward on impact of the shell, for igniting the last saidcharge.

21.. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing case, aperforated partition dividing the case into two chambers, a valve devicefor normally closing the said perforation adapted to move to open thepartition upon the shell being fired from a gun, a booster chargelocated in the front chamber of the detonator, a detonating capsule forfiring the booster charge, a carrier in which the said capsule issupported, located in the roar chamber of the case, the said carrierbciug supported so as to move forward in the detonator case upon impactof the shell, an explosive charge for projecting the capsule from itscarrier through the perforation in the partition and into position forfiring the booster charge, and means brought into operation by theforward movement of the said carrier upon ilnpact of the shell for igniting the charge that projects the detonating capsule.

22. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing case, aperforated partition dividing the case into two chambersand carrying acap-firing projection, a valve device for closing the perforation in thepartition, adapted to move to uncover the perforation when the shell isfired from a gun, a booster charge located in the front chamber of thedetonator, a detonating capsule for firing the booster charge, a carrierin which the said capsule is supported, located in the rear chamber ofthe case, the said carrier being supported so as to move forward in thedetonator case upon impact of the shell, an explosive charge forprojecting the said capsule from its carrier through the perforation inthe partition and into position to fire the booster charge, and a primercap for igniting the charge that projects the detonating capsule,supported by the said carrier and arranged to come into engagement withthe firing projection carried by the partition when the carrier movesforward on impact of the shell.

23. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing case, aperforated partition dividing the case into two chambers and carrying acap-firing projection, a booster charge located inthe front chamber ofthe detonator, a detonating capsule for firing the booster charge, aplunger located in the rear chamber of the detonator adapted to moveforward upon impact of the shell, an oscillating turret in which thesaid capsule is supported, mounted in the said plunger, the turret beingarranged to normally occupyT a safety position with the capsule out ofline with the perforation in the partition, and being arranged to bemoved by centrifugall force to an arming position with the capsule inline with the said perforation, when the shell is fired from a gun, anexplosive charge for projecting the said capsule from its seat in theturret through the perforation in the` partition and into position tofire the booster charge, and a primer cap for igniting the charge thatprojects the detonating capsule, supported by the turret and arranged tocome into engagement with the firing projection carried by the partitionwhen the plunger, carrying the turret, moves forward on impact of theshell. l

24. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing case, aperforated partition dividing the case into two chambers, a boostercharge located in the front chamber, a detonating capsule for firing thebooster charge, an oscillating turret in which the said capsule is'supported mounted in the rear chamber and arranged normally to occupy asafety position with the capsule out of line with the perforation in thepartition, and to be moved when the shell is fired from a gun to anarming position with the capsule in line with said perforation, a valvefor closing the said perforation when the turret is in safety position,carried by the turret, and means for holding the valve against its seatunder normal conditions, said means being arranged to set back and freethe valve upon the shell being fired from a gun.

25. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing case, aperforated partition dividing the case into two chambers, a boostercharge located in the front chamber, a detonating capsule for firing thebooster charge, a plunger located in the rear chamber, a spring actingon the plunger, an oscillating turret carried by the plunger andprovided with a cavity in which is supported the said detonatingcapsule, the turret normally occupyingA a safety position with thecapsule out of line with the perforation in the partition and beingarranged under the action of centrifugal force to move to an armingposition with the capsule in line with the said perforation, a valvecarried by the capsule for closing the said perforation when the turretis in safety position, means for locking the turret in safety positionto free the turret when the shell is fired from a gun, and means forprojecting the detonator capsule into firing position operating uponimpact of the shell.

26. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing caseadapted to be seated in a shell, a movable body within the -caseforcausing the iii-ing of the detonator, anv oscillating turret in whichthe said firing body is supported arranged to normally occupy a safetyposition and to be moved to an arming position when the shell is firedfrom a gun, the said turret being also supported so that it may moveforward upon impact of the shell, and shear pins carried by the turretfor holding it from moving forward during the flight of the shell butarranged to yield upon impact thereof.

27. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, an inclosing caseadapted to be seated in a shell, a detonating` capsule movable withinthe case upon impact of the shell for causing the firing of thedetonator, an oscillating carrier in which the said capsule is supportedarranged to normally occupy a safety position and to be moved under theinfluence of centrifugal force to an arming position, a plunger in whichthe said oscillating carrier is supported, the plunger being free to setback upon the firing of tho shell from a gun, shear pins carried by theoscillating carrier, abutments with whichA the said pins engage, suchabutments being arranged so as to be out of the paths of the shear pinsas the carrier oscillatesin a set back position, but in the paths of thesaid pins when the carrier is in its forward position, and a springbearing against the said plunger and ten-ding to move it forward.

carried by the turret for holding it from' moving forward during theflight of the shell but arranged to yield upon impact thereof, and meansfor causing the chargefiring body to be projected to position to ire thebooster charge arranged to be brought into operation by the said forwardmove'- ment of the turret.

29. In a detonator for ordnance shells, a case, a booster chargesupported in the forward end thereof, a detonating capsule for causingthe firing of the booster charge, a runway along which the Saiddetonating capsule is adapted to move, a movable carrier in which thesaid capsule is supported arranged to normally occupy a safety position,`and to come to an arming position `upon the shell being fired from agun, a charge of explosive material for causing the detonating capsuleto be moved into position to fire the booster charge, and a plug ofrelatively soft metal interposed between the last said charge and thedetonating capsule.

30. In an impact detonator for ordnance shells, a case in the forwardend of which is located a booster charge, a detonating capsule forfiring the booster charge normally supported in the rear portion of thedetonator case and arranged to be projected into proximity to thebooster charge where it is fired, a runway along which the said capsulemoves separating the booster charge from direct communication with thepassage through which the detonating capsule moves,

the said runway being perforated to permit the escape therefrom of -airin advance of the forwardly moving detonating capsule, and an inclosedchamber into which the said air passes from the runway.

CHARLES P. WATSON.

